Chapter 41: Shoot 'em up! Laura pulls the van into the rest stop and shakes Luke awake. "We're here." Luke stretches and calls to the back of the van. "Move it or lose it. Rest stop break." Stefan and Sarah wake up quickly and Stefan shoots a glare at Luke Stefan:"Such class." Luke:"What are you muttering about now?" Sarah climbs out of the van and looks wearily at Luke and Stefan. "Not this again. Stuff the macho posturing, guys. I've had it." Luke and Stefan look at her in surprise but keep their mouths shut. Laura shoots Sarah an appreciative smile. They split up and head to the restrooms. A black car pulls into the parking lot unnoticed. Man 1:"I don't like this, it's too public." Man2:"It's 4:30 in the morning. No one is around . Let's do it." They exit the vehicle and calmly walk toward the van. As one of the men acts as a look-out, the other climbs under the van and attaches a bomb. He set's the detonator and climbs out from under the vehicle. A small piece of paper drops from his pocket. Man1: "Let's beat it." They head back to the car and wait for their victims to return. Laura emerges from the bathroom and joins Sarah at the sink. "I forgot how horrible I look on these little adventures." Sarah smiles at her. "Give me a break. You have to be the only woman on the planet that can go through these little adventures and still look as pretty as a picture." Laura: 'You're too kind. I'm afraid the close quarters are getting to Luke and Stefan." Sarah:"I agree, but they will have to deal with it. I'm more worried about Stefan's state of mind." Laura: 'Me too. He hasn't really recovered from that nightmare." Sarah:"Well, he's very worried about Nikolas. But of course you're worried about your children as well." Laura: "Yes, all three of them." Laura looks at Sarah somewhat defensively. Sarah:"Laura, I didn't mean to imply otherwise, it's just I know about you having to leave Nikolas. So, of course you must be more attached to your other children. You watched them grow as Stefan did with Nikolas." Laura: 'You're right, I did leave Nikolas, not once but twice. I regret that immensely. I just hope I get a chance to make it up to him. I love him. I did a lot of soul-searching when I thought Nikolas was dead. I'm going to do things differently with him this time." Sarah:"I'm sorry, I have a tendency to put my foot in my mouth. Of course you love him, he's your son. I was just trying to point out that Stefan's feelings for Nikolas are probably close to yours. Nikolas is as close to him as a son would be." Laura places a hand on Sarah's shoulder " I apologize. I guess I've become very defensive when it comes to explaining my love for Nikolas. I keep trying to make everyone understand that he is my baby, that I do love him as much as Lucky and Lu. And my greatest fear is we'll never reach him in time for me to explain that to him." Laura feels the tears spill over her cheeks and Sarah hands her a paper towel and pats her on the back "It's okay Laura. We'll do everything we can to get all three of the kids and your mother out safely." Laura: "Just about everyone I love is in that madwoman's hands. She has tortured me for so many years. I just want to reclaim my family, all of them and put an end to her reign of terror." Sarah:'Of course. And we won't stop until we do. " Laura wipes the tears away and splashes some water on her face. "Okay, let's join the men. I just hope they didn't kill each other in our absence." ........... Luke and Stefan are waiting by the restroom entrance. Stefan is pacing impatiently while Luke leans against the wall. Luke: 'Man, you keep pacing like that and you'll catch someone's attention. Not to mention you"re driving me crazy." Stefan glares at him, but purposefully keeps his voice calm. "We would do well to stay out of each other's business. We get along better when we do. As for my catching someone's attention. That would be impossible considering there is no one around." Luke: "Fine. you stay out of my face, I'll stay out of yours. As long as we both focus on getting the kids out safely, we'll do just fine." Stefan: "Agreed. Make no mistake, Spencer. I despise you with everything that I am. But Nikolas and your children are more important than settling an age-old feud. I have no intention of fighting with you again." Luke: "You won't get any complaints from me." Laura and Sarah come out of the restroom. Sarah notices with satisfaction that Luke and Stefan aren't fighting. Laura:"I'm thinking of getting a soda. Does anyone else want one? They all give her their choices. She leaves to get the drinks as the rest continue to stretch their legs. ......................... Jerry is holding a phone out to Nikolas and Nikolas takes it. "Hello Grandmother." Helena Cassadine smiles as she hears her Grandson's voice "Nikolas, How are you my child?" Nikolas: "I'm fine Grandmother." Helena: "Are you recovering from the flu okay?" Nikolas: "Grandmother, I don't have the flu." A look of horror crosses over Jerry's face . He holds his breath. Helena: 'WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE THE FLU?" Nikolas holds the phone away from his ear and shakes his head. Pulling the phone back to him he responds "Dr. Dorman was trying to cover for me. I tried to escape again." Helena: 'I heard about the first escape. I also heard you were severely punished." Nikolas: "Jerry disciplined me, but not as bad as you are imagining, I'm certain. I tried to escape again. When I went to go over the fence I fell and cut my side up pretty badly. I fell down and hit some rocks and cut up my face. Jerry and the guards found me and he called for Dr. Dorman. I guess by then you had already sent for him." Helena: "How were you able to escape again?" Nikolas: "I Jumped from my window. Jerry never figured I'd try that, and I can't blame him. I wasn't really expecting to land on my feet." Helena: "Nikolas, you must stop this foolish behavior! I'm keeping you safe and you will take your proper place as the head of the family." Nikolas: "Grandmother, I understand now. I was just upset over Uncle's death." Helena: "He does not deserve your grief Nikolas. He dishonored you by showing loyalty to your wretched excuse of a mother. Luke Spencer did us a favor." Nikolas: "He was my Uncle and your son. How can you discard him so easily?" Helena: "He dishonored us by choosing her over us. I did what was necessary to protect you, my Nikolas." Nikolas: "By faking my death?? And kidnapping Lucky and Lu?" Helena: "All for your benefit. You can't run from your destiny Nikolas. Your Uncle tried to and you see what happened to him. Your concern for Lulu and Lucky is a weakness. It will destroy you." Nikolas: "Yes grandmother. I will obey Jerry from now on. I promise." Helena: "Are you okay? Why didn't Jerry tell me of this escape attempt?" Nikolas: "He was trying to spare me further punishment. I guess he thought you would order another session." Helena: "Jerry trying to spare someone pain? I think not." Nikolas: "You can talk to him about it Grandmother." Helena: "Very well, I hope you have decided it is in your best interest not to fight me anymore." Nikolas: "Yes Grandmother. I know now that you are only trying to help me to fulfill my birthright." Helena: "I will see you soon Nikolas. Be well my child." Nikolas: "Be well Grandmother." Nikolas hands the phone to Jerry."Yes, Aunt Helena." Helena: "Why did you keep his second escape attempt a secret?" Jerry:"I found out Pierce was on his way. Nikolas looked awful and I wanted to spare him further injury." Helena: "You think I would hurt my Grandson if he was already seriously hurt? When did we establish such a soft heart, Jerry?" Jerry:"Not soft, just cautious. It was in his best interest. I would have told you eventually." Helena: "Very well, he sounds fine. Tomorrow he will be on a plane to Greece, along with you." Jerry:"As you wish, Aunt Helena." Jerry hangs up the phone and turns to Nikolas "Thank you." Nikolas: "I don't want you dead. And we know that is what she would order. There's been enough death lately." Jerry:"Go back to sleep Nikolas. You need your rest. You will spend some time with your family later." Nikolas: "Are we leaving tomorrow then?" Jerry:"Tomorrow morning." Nikolas: "Very well. I am tired." Jerry leaves the room and Nikolas feels his stomach knot up. Time was running out. .......................... Stefan, Sarah, Luke and Laura are heading back to the van. As they approach and are about to enter Sarah notices a piece of paper on the ground which wasn't there before. She stops dead in her tracks and listens carefully. She hears a faint ticking sound. She motions for them to step back and she bends down and looks at the bomb. Sarah: "Christ, there's a bomb." Luke:"A Bomb? How the hell?" Luke stands close by as Sarah drops to the ground and slides under the van to disengage the bomb. She turns off the detonator and begins to remove the bomb. The men in the black car are watching from a distance. They curse to themselves Man1: "How the hell did she find that?" Man2: "Who's with the Spencers? They seem to know a lot about bombs." Man1: 'Well, let's not hang around and ask them. No one is really around. I say we drive by and shoot them." Man2: "Are you nuts?" Man1: "You wanna tell the boss we didn't kill them?" Man2: " A drive-by shooting is a good old-fashioned way to take people out. Let's do it." Sarah hears an engine rev up and instinctively rolls out from under the van. Just as the car is approaching, she throws Luke her spare gun. The car starts to spray the van with bullets and Luke screams to Stefan. "GET LAURA OUT OF RANGE!" Stefan has already grabbed Laura and wedged her behind the far end of the van and is shielding her with his body as Luke and Sarah shoot back at the car. The car speeds off. Luke and Sarah survey the damage. Luke: "You okay? Nice reflexes, baby. Remind me to be on your side in a fight." Sarah: "Fine, thanks. Stefan? Laura?" Stefan and Laura come out from behind the van. Laura: "We're fine." Sarah slides back under the van and quickly disengages the bomb. "Sloppy work. Helena is slacking in her old age." Stefan: "I didn't recognize the car or the shooter. I'd say hired guns. Cassadine employees would not have failed. We have made a reckless error in underestimating my mother." Luke:"Now what? This van is useless and we're running out of time. Helena knows Laura and I are almost in Canada. She's going to guess we've found the kids." Sarah: " You're right. I will get us a new vehicle, hopefully that will make it harder for her to spot us." She makes a quick call, explains the situation to the person on the phone and asks for another vehicle. She hangs up. "An operative nearby drives a Ford Explorer, we'll switch with him. We should be meeting Sonny and his crew this evening in Calgary. We'll discuss the plan to infiltrate the compound then. Let's go inside and wait for the car to arrive. It's safer." Chapter 42: Heating Up It is evening when Sonny, Alexis, and Jason arrive at a nondescript house in the city of Calgary. They are accompanied by a man. The door to the home is opened by another man who recognizes their escort. He allows them to enter. Sonny feels like he's entering a war zone. He knows he's surrounded by feds and WSB agents. Even though they are working together, he can't shake his discomfort. He recognizes some of his men in the house. He greets them with a nod. Their escort begins the introductions." Mr Corinthos, Ms Davis, and Mr Morgan, this is agent Flores. He's the one coordinating the efforts between the feds, WSB, and Mr Corinthos' men." They shake hands. Sonny addresses the agent."I trust that my men have been fully cooperative?" Flores:"Yes they have. Thank you for efforts here Mr Corinthos. It is greatly appreciated. " Alexis:"Are Agent Thompson, Stefan, and the Spencers here yet, Mr Flores?" Flores:"Not yet Ms Davis. But they should be here shortly. I understand that you were the one to furnish the map of the Cassadine Compound." Alexis:"Yes I did. I hope you found it useful." Flores:" It has been tremendously helpful. But I have a few questions, if you don't mind?" Agent Flores leads them over to the map, and they discuss it at length. A short while later, Sarah, Stefan, and the Spencers enter the house. Sonny notices first. He makes a beeline for Luke and Laura. Luke and Sonny shake hands and Laura hugs Sonny. Sonny (to Luke):"How are you doing buddy? I hear you had a close call." Luke:"Yeah, but thanks to Sarah's quick reflexes we got out of it, no problem." Alexis hugs Stefan tightly. Stefan kisses her cheeks. Stefan:"Thank you for everything, Alexis." Alexis:"You can't believe the joy I felt at knowing that you and Nikolas were alive. Now all we have to do is get him back." Sarah:"Shall we get down to business? Flores, shall we convene in the meeting?" The principals gather in the meeting area. There is a blow up of the map on wall for everyone to see. Sarah takes charge of the meeting as she makes everyone familiar with the map. Sarah:"Okay. On our trip we've been discussing the plan of attack. It makes sense for us to split up into pairs or triads and enter the compound from different angles. At the beginning there will be three parties infiltrating the compound. The logical groups are Stefan and I, Luke and Laura, and the triad of Alexis, Sonny, and Jason. None of this should be news to anyone since this part of the plan was developed a few days ago when Sonny and Alexis came on board." Everyone nods in agreement. Flores pipes up."So the understanding is that the first plan is to enter by stealth, try to neutralize as many guards as possible without anyone noticing. We only use the heavy manpower if the stealth operation is compromised." Sarah continues."Luke and Laura, you are the only group that doesn't have intimate experience with this compound. Do you think you are familiar enough with the lay out to navigate the compound easily?" Luke:"We've infiltrated Cassadine compounds before. You've seen one, you've seen them all." Stefan shakes his head but remains silent. Sarah notices. "Stefan? did you have something to say? This is crunch time. We can't hold anything back." Stefan:"With all due respect, all Cassadine compounds are not designed the same...." Stefan goes into detail about the compound.. where the guards are posted, the terrain, and the electronic security around the main building. Sarah:"Thank you Stefan. That's very informative. That's more than Alexis was able to provide." Sarah continues to run the meeting, giving specific directions to each group about their point of entry into the compound, their mission, and the obstacles they are likely to encounter. Finally Sarah sums up. "Okay. that's about it. We begin the mission tomorrow. With luck, tomorrow night we will have the kids back. Thank you everyone." The meeting breaks. Stefan has gone outside. Alexis follows him. Alexis: "Cousin. It's cold out here. What's the matter." Stefan:"I cannot shake the feeling that we are too late." He pulls the beads out of his jeans pocket, and runs his fingers over them absently. Alexis: "We're doing everything we can. Just keep in mind that Helena wouldn't harm Nikolas intentionally. She adores him." Stefan:"Nikolas' welfare is at the whim of that madman, Jerry. Nikolas will not be safe until Jerry is dead. And I am not only concerned for Nikolas. If anything happens to Laura's kids, I will not be able to forgive myself..." Alexis: "You are not responsible for what Helena does or has done, Cousin." Stefan:"No, I will own my truth! I underestimated Helena. I knew what she was capable of if she were strong enough. I fooled myself into thinking she would not regain her strength. We are all paying for my arrogance in thinking I had neutralized her." Stefan paces as Alexis helplessly watches. "Please. Leave me. I wish solitude." Alexis kisses his cheek before leaving."As you wish, Cousin. Get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us." Meanwhile Luke, Laura, and Sonny chat in one of the rooms. Sonny:"How you two holding up? " Luke:"Well another night locked in a car with Cassadine, and one of us would have come out crazy. We weren't meant to breathe the same air for long, man." Laura:"You've been very patient, darling. It didn't go unnoticed by me." Laura gives him a tender kiss. Luke:"Thanks baby." Luke gives her a smile and a warm hug. There conversation is interrupted briefly by Sarah peeping her head into the room. Sarah:"You guys get some rest. We start early tomorrow." Sarah closes the door and walks sees Alexis entering the house. Sarah:"Have you seen Stefan?" Alexis: "I just left him outside. He wanted to be left alone. Brooding men are impossible!" Alexis shrugs her shoulders. Sarah:"Thanks Alexis. I'll go see if I can't get him to come inside and sleep." Sarah walks outside and sees Stefan sitting alone on one of the benches. His back faces her. She sees it stiffen as he hears her approach. Sarah sits beside him. Sarah puts her hand on his arm. Sarah:"Stefan." Stefan:"I am afraid if I sleep tonight I will have that same dream. I don't know if I can handle losing Nikolas again..." Sarah realizes from Stefan's quivering voice that he's been crying. Stefan shakes in silent sobs. Sarah wraps her arms around him and holds him tightly. Sarah (in a whisper): "We'll get through this, Stefan, together. I promise. You aren't alone. We'll do everything we can to bring Nikolas home safely." Stefan seems comforted by her words. Stefan pulls away enough so he can study Sarah's face. "I believe you mean that." Sarah wipes away his tears. "I do. Now let's go in and get some rest." "Thank you, Sarah." Stefan takes her hand and follows her into the house. .................... Jerry enters Nikolas room and finds Nikolas sitting on his bed. Jerry:"Good, you changed into the clothes I left for you." Nikolas: "You told me to change so I did. When do we leave?" Jerry:"In a few hours. Are you ready to say good bye to your family?" Nikolas gets up from the bed slowly and turns to Jerry. Nikolas: "You're going to kill them aren't you?" Jerry:"I never said that." Nikolas: "Jerry, please don't kill them." Jerry:"Nikolas, it is not my decision to make. I will make your wishes known." Nikolas: "Lesley Lu is a baby. Surely she is of no harm to anyone. Lucky he is only a kid too. Grandmother Lesley has never harmed anyone, why must they die?" Jerry:'Nikolas, this is not up to me or you. You have a legacy to fulfill and I have been selected to help you. What happens from now until you take over as THE Cassadine is out of our hands. Now, you are wasting time. Make haste." Nikolas follows Jerry out the door and down the stairs and is lead into a room. Jerry shuts the door and looks at the guards. Jerry:"No one gets out of this room for any reason until I come back for Nikolas." Jerry leaves and the guards stand by the door. Inside Lesley Lu runs up to Nikolas. Lulu: 'GICKY!" Nikolas picks her up and holds her gently."Hey little sister." He looks up and sees Lucky nervously pacing the room and then his eyes rest on his grandmother who is smiling at him. Nikolas hands Lu to Lucky and walks over to Lesley. He takes her hands in his. Nikolas: 'Hello, I'm Nikolas." Lesley: 'Yes, I know. Your uncle has shown me pictures of you. You have grown into a handsome young man. Your Uncle is so very proud of you, as I'm sure Laura is as well." Nikolas kneels down beside her and continues to hold her hands in his."Help is on the way. You and Lucky and Lu will get out of this." Lesley pats his hands and reaches up and strokes his face "You remind me of your Uncle. You have his eyes, proud and soothing. Nikolas, you must have faith too. You will be reunited with Your family soon." Nikolas: "I have faith grandmother. You will see my mother before me. Will you give her a message for me?" Lesley: "Of course." Nikolas: "Tell her that I know I hurt her with my rebuffs when she tried to get to know me. I'm sorry, I was so angry. But I always took for granted that I would have time to make up for it later. Tell her that I listened and I know she loved me and that I love her." Lesley: "I will tell her Nikolas, but you will have the chance to tell her yourself. Be strong Nikky, it will be over soon." Nikolas nods and then reaches over to kiss both of her cheeks. "Good bye Grandmother." Lesley: "No Nikolas, until we meet again." Nikolas: "Until we meet again." Nikolas rises and takes Lu from Lucky and holds her up to him. He hugs her tightly and she giggles. He forces his tears back at the thought of leaving her again. Lulu: "GICKY!" Nikolas: "Yes, little sister, Gicky. I will see you soon, but until then I want you to know I love you baby girl. You are the only one who loves me in such and innocent pure way. I will miss you Lesely Lu." Lulu: "Gicky .." Lesley Lu babbles and Nikolas smiles and rocks her and finally hands her over to Lesley. He turns and faces Lucky. Nikolas: "Well, guess it's about time for me to take off." Lucky shrugs and looks to the ground. "Don't try anything stupid Nikolas, our parents will come to get you back." Nikolas: 'Yeah, well you have a temper as well, so keep a lid on it. Lesley and Lu need you and I know you won't let them down. I'll deny it if you tell anyone, but you're alright Lucky" Lucky smiles and hits Nikolas in the arm. "Don't go all mushy on me man." Nikolas: "I won't. You remember what to tell my Uncle?" Lucky: "I told you that you'd have the chance to do it." Nikolas: "Lucky, please it's important to me. Do you remember the message?" Lucky: "I remember it. You have my word, I'll tell him." Nikolas: "Look, I want to tell you something just in case I have to stay in Greece for awhile. This feud between our families, it ends with us. No matter what she tries to instill in me while I'm there, I will never turn on you, you are my brother, Lucky." Nikolas extends his hand and Lucky takes it and they shake firmly. Lucky: "Now don't go get yourself killed or anything, remember you owe me money." Nikolas laughs "Yeah, I remember. I still say you were counting cards." Lucky: "Naa, you're just a lousy poker player." Jerry knocks on the door and Nikolas yells that he's almost done. Nikolas: "Okay, guess it's time for me to go. Take care of them." Lucky: "I will. You take care of yourself." Nikolas: "thanks. You do the same. Lucky, they will save you. I can feel it." Lucky: "You'll be back in Port Charles before you know it. Now get going before Jerry adds more bruises to you." Nikolas turns to walk away and Lucky calls to him. Lucky: "Nikolas, It ends with us man. You are my brother too, man." Nikolas turns and smiles "You're still a pain in the butt." Lucky laughs"Yeah, and you're ego is still inflated." Nikolas knocks on the door and Jerry escorts him out. Lucky watches the door close and whispers. "Good luck, bro." ......................... A couple of hours after Jerry and Nikolas leave, Miranda and couple guards are sitting in the living room. Miranda begins holding her stomach. She starts to complain to the guards Miranda: "Oh, I don't feel so good. Did either of you guys eat any of the left over meatloaf? " They shake their heads. After several minutes, Miranda gets up and rushes to the bathroom. Loud retching sounds are heard emanating from the bathroom. Pierce comes out of one of the main bedrooms with his overnight bag. One of the guards addresses him. Guard1: "Hey, your sister is in the bathroom getting pretty sick. You think she's going to be okay?" Dorman: "Well, I doubt it's anything serious, but I'll check it out." Pierces goes to the bathroom and helps escort a very pale and shaking Miranda to the couch. He begins to look her over as she discusses her symptoms and her guess that it's food poisoning. Pierce reports that she has a high temperature. Miranda jumps up from the couch and runs to the bathroom to throw up again. Guard2: "Maybe we should call Jerry." Dorman: "Well to be safe we should. Unless you think you can handle a bad case of food poisoning.." The guard dials Jerry on the plane. Guard2: "Jerry, this is Boggs. Miranda is really sick. She can't stop vomiting and Pierce says she has a temperature.... She's in the bathroom now. Okay. I'll tell Pierce. Thanks Jerry." Dorman: "So what did he say?" Guard2: "He wants you to stay until Miranda feels better." Miranda comes out of the bathroom. She almost stumbles and one of the guards catches her and leads her to the couch. Pierce rubs her back and offers sympathy. After a few minutes have passed, Miranda addresses them. Miranda: "I think we should hold off on the Spencer family." Guard1: "We could take care of them for you..." Miranda: "No, I really want to be there. Jerry asked me to see the order through. What's another day anyway? Guard1: "Sure, you're the boss. One day here or there makes no difference to me. Besides it's fun to watch them squirm. That kid's about to jump out of his skin." They all join in laughing at the guards joke. Miranda and Pierce glance at each other in relief. They just bought themselves some time. ............................ Several hours later, Miranda holds her stomach again as she addresses Pierce. Miranda: "The stuffiness of this place is making me nauseous again. Do you think it would be healthy for me to go for a walk?" Pierce takes her temperature again."Do you feel dizzy?" Miranda shakes her head as she hands back the thermometer. "Well your temperature has gone down a bit. I'd feel better if we took a walk together. The fresh air might do you some good." Guard: "Well don't freeze out there. Pierce I'm glad you're taking her. I hate the cold." Pierce and Miranda don on their winter gear and leave the main house. They walk for a long time in silence. Finally Pierce speaks. Dorman: "Good acting job on the food poisoning. I think you missed your calling, sister." Miranda smiles."Thanks. You were pretty convincing yourself." They continue walking in silence. They heard a branch crack behind them. They whirl around to face Luke and Laura, who are partially camouflaged by the trees. Luke:"Well it took you long enough to hear us. We've been practically stomping for the last five minutes." Miranda sags in relief:"Thank God you are here! Where is Stefan? And the reinforcements? Don't tell me it's just the two of you!" Laura:"No. Stefan and Sarah are hiking in from the north. Sonny, Alexis and Jason are hiking in from the east. Tell me, how is Lucky, Lulu, Nikolas? Are they okay?" Miranda: "Nikolas left with Jerry for Greece this morning. Lucky, Lulu, and your mother are okay for the moment." Laura eyes fill with tears. "So they are all alive? And Nikolas, he's healing?" Miranda: "Yes. He hurt himself again two days ago. But he's healing quickly." Luke:"Damn. This complicates things. Okay. Give it to us quick. How many guards are there? And where are they? We'll take them out quick and quiet." Miranda proceeds to tell Luke the locations of all the guards. She gives him the password to the security system. They discuss the siege of the main building. "... okay.. and once we hear you attack the main building, Pierce and I will kill the guards inside. There are 8 guards inside the building. There were 10 until Jerry took two with him to Greece." Luke:"Nothing like having help on the inside." Luke pulls out the cell phone and calls Sarah. "Sarah, we've hit the jackpot. Here's what we've got..." Chapter 43: The Siege Goes On The siege on the Cassadine compound proceeds silently and quickly. Sonny, Alexis, and Jason hike through the mountainside. Sonny and Jason follow Alexis closely, aware that a misplaced foot could lead to a serious injury and possible detection. As they near one of the guard outposts that Miranda revealed to Luke, they slow their pace and blend into the nearby trees. They draw their weapons as they near the building. They see an unsuspecting guard exit the building. Alexis accidentally steps on a branch, alerting the guard to their presence. Alexis stops dead, hoping to remain unseen. She makes every effort not to move a muscle. The guard pulls out gun and points it in her direction. Guard:"Hey, who's out there? Reveal yourself." He studies the woods where the noise came from, hoping to find the trespasser. He calls to the other guard in the building. "Hey, Marco, I think we have an intruder. Get out here." Jason has his gun trained on the first guard, while Sonny has his gun trained on the door to the building. The guard called Marco comes out of the building. "Nah, it's probably just a rabbit or something like it's been the last hundred times you said that..." The first guard spots Alexis and aims the gun at her. Jason's bullet hits the guard as the guard's gun goes off. Alexis dives for cover, but not before a bullet grazes her shoulder. Sonny kills the second guard before he gets all the way out of the building. Jason runs forward to investigate the building. Sonny runs to help Alexis. He sees the blood on the sleeve of her jacket. Sonny:"You got hit! You're bleeding." He inspects the wound. He takes the first aid kit out of his backpack and begins to treat it. Alexis: "The bullet just grazed my shoulder.. Ouch! It'll be okay. We need to keep moving. Otherwise we won't make it to the main building on time..." Sonny:"We have time. Thanks to your expert trail-guiding, we've made good time. We're not going anywhere until we've treated this wound. ... Now this is going to hurt for a sec..." He pours antiseptic on the wound. Alexis: "OUCH! You weren't kidding! Are you done torturing me Mr Corinthos?" Sonny smiles. "Almost...Jason? Everything clear?" Jason:"Yeah. All clear. Have some extra gear. You want us to take any of it?" Sonny inspects the loot that Jason found. "Just the weapons and ammo." Sonny finishes dressing Alexis's wound. "There. All neat and tidy. Let's keep it that way." Alexis: "Thanks Sonny. Okay we don't have any time to waste." She slowly rises to her feet. Sonny notices she's somewhat unsteady. Sonny:"You okay?" Alexis: "Yes I just don't get shot at every day like you do. " Sonny:"Very funny. If you're poking fun of my line of work you must be feeling better. Go ahead Alexis. Lead the way." They continue their hike towards the compound. From another wooded corner of the Cassadine Compound Stefan and Sarah hike toward the main building. As they near the edge of woods, Sarah spies the outpost. She knows neutralizing this outpost is crucial, as this one guards the main road through the compound. She looks for a sign of Luke and Laura's presence. She sees a brief flash of Luke's cigarette lighter. This is the sign that's he's ready. She flashes her ring once in the setting sun, as sign of acknowledgement. Now they wait for the right moment. Stefan and Sarah draw their silenced weapons. Two guards exit the outpost and walk in the direction of Sarah and Stefan. Once they have the two guards dead in their sights, Sarah flashes her ring twice... a primitive version of "We got 'em." Stefan and Sarah fire their weapons and the guards fall, the only sound being their short cries of protest. The two remaining guards run out of the building to investigate the noise and find their dead comrades. Before they can cock their weapons or sound an alarm, Luke and Laura drop them in a similar manner. Sarah and Luke run forward to drag the bodies back into the building. Laura and Stefan stand guard. Sarah and Luke take a few moments to gather some ammo and weapons. Luke spies a box of Cuban cigars. Luke grins from ear to ear. "Now this is what I call pay dirt!" Sarah rolls her eyes. "I should have figured, Luke. Just make it quick." Luke quickly stows the cigars in his backpack as they exit the outpost. Sarah pulls out her cell phone and makes a call. "Flores it's me. Phase one accomplished. We meet Sonny's group shortly. Do you have aid cars standing by? Good. Get the men ready for the contingency plan. We have 8 guards to take out at the main building. " Sarah closes her phone. The foursome begins the hike to the main building. .................... Meanwhile Miranda and Pierce return to the main building after their long walk. The guards greet them at the door. Guard1: "There's been a change in plans. The boss called while you were out. She gave the order for the Spencers to be killed tonight." Miranda and Pierce try to remain nonchalant about the news. Miranda: "Well, whatever the boss says goes. Did she say whether or not we could give them a final meal?" The guard laughs."Like a final supper? Nah, she didn't say, but I like the irony of it. Seeing that punk squirm is fun. Go ahead." Miranda proceeds to make the supper as slowly as possible without arousing suspicion. Pierce pretends to help her in the kitchen. Miranda (in a whisper):"They better get here soon." Pierce whispers back. "We've done all we can. Now it's up to them." Once supper is prepared, Miranda convinces the guards to let Lucky, Lu, and Lesley to have their final supper in the living room with Miranda and Dorman. The first guard hangs around to taunt Lucky, but the rest become bored and walk outside to chat amongst themselves. Lesley sits compliantly at the table saying nothing. Lu chatters nonsensically as she eats her food with her hands. Lucky sits tensely playing with his food. Miranda smiles at him sympathetically. Miranda: "Not hungry, Lucky?" Lucky: "What's the point of this? It's all a joke!" Guard1 (enjoying his power over Lucky):"Listen, punk. You will treat the lady with respect, or I'll teach you some the old fashioned way." Lucky: "What a big man you are. Hiding behind your gun! You're just a coward who feels powerful pushing around those that are weaker than you. " The guard gets up and raises his hand to backslap Lucky. Miranda stops the guard by catching his attention. Miranda: "Lucky, please. Let's not start a fight okay?" Lucky gets up to challenge the guard. "Why not? You plan on killing us anyway. I'd rather die fighting! Come on, Man! Show me what you're made of! Let's do it- just you and me. Mano y Mano!" The guard prepares to take his gun off, relishing the idea of beating the Spencer punk. Miranda yells for the other guards. Two enter and split up the fight before it begins. One takes Lucky kicking and yelling back to the room and locks him in. The other turns to the first guard. Guard2: "Leave the punk alone okay? He's scared. Let him enjoy the little family he has before he meets his maker." Miranda takes Lesley and Lu back to the room they share with Lucky. The presence of the guard prevents Miranda from speaking privately with Lucky, but she shoots him an encouraging look when the guard's back is turned. Meanwhile a short distance from the main building, Sarah is making her way towards the building, carrying the undetonated car bomb towards the main entrance. She is careful to stay out of site. When the guards are distracted by Miranda's yelling for help, Sarah attaches the bomb to the porch and sets the timer for 5 minutes. Sarah slowly makes her way back to the rescue party. They take their positions, ready to shoot when the dust clears from the explosion. The explosion goes off without a hitch, killing one guard and knocking other three to the ground. They quickly roll into a defensive position. Sarah, and Luke are on one side of the main entrance. They begin shooting at the guards, trying to draw their fire so that Stefan, Sonny and Jason can get closer without being noticed. Stefan makes it, but Sonny takes a hit in the leg by one of the guards coming from inside the building. Sarah kills the guard before he can shoot Jason. Jason helps Sonny get to cover. Laura and Alexis can be seen taking a back up position to Sarah and Luke. Inside the building, Miranda is clearing the dishes when she hears an explosion. This is her signal. The rescue team has arrived. Guard3:"We're being attacked!" Miranda:"Go help Barry, I'll go get some guns and Pierce and I will be right behind you." Miranda goes to a locked closet and pulls out two guns. She can hear the chaos outside as guards yell that they've been ambushed. Miranda throws a gun to Pierce. She sees a guard go for the captives. She follows behind him and shoots him as he tries to open the door. Miranda: "Sorry buddy. But I can't let you do that." He looks bewildered as he falls to the ground. Once she determines he's too weak to open the door she turns around to help Pierce and the rescue party. She stops dead in her tracks when another guard blocks her path. He looks in shock at his dying comrade. When she raises her gun to shoot him, he shoots her. She pulls the trigger as she falls. The second guard falls dead. Pierce, unaware of Miranda's fate, takes the gun that Miranda threw him kills two guards from behind. The remaining two guards fight valiantly. One guard notices Pierce and aims his gun at him. Before the guard can shoot Pierce, Luke kills him. The last guard is killed by Jason. Sarah and the rest of the rescue team enter the compound. Jason helps a limping Sonny, who is still bleeding from a gunshot wound to the leg. Alexis has a wounded arm from her earlier altercation at the outpost. Luke, Laura, Stefan, and Sarah are uninjured. Pierce looks for Miranda when he notices she's not beside him. He finds her lying on the floor in the hallway. Dorman: "Randi! no! " He checks for a pulse and finds a weak one. She opens her eyes as his exclamation. "Someone get an ambulance here now. She's dying!" Sarah can be heard in the background making the call for ambulances. Miranda (whispering weakly): "Did ....?" Pierce works furiously to stop the bleeding, but it seems futile. She has already lost too much blood. "They're okay. You saved them Randi." Miranda: "I need.. Stefan.." Pierce calls Stefan over. Stefan kneels by Miranda's side. Stefan:"Miranda, the ambulance is on it's way. You'll be just fine." Miranda: "I need you...tell Nikolas... I cared." Stefan: "You can tell him yourself. " Miranda (breathing in gasps):"Please promise....not going to make it." Dorman: "Don't say that Randi. The ambulance just pulled up. You'll make it." Stefan: "You have my word Miranda. Nikolas will know you cared. Rest now." The ambulance crew put her on a gurney and wheel her out with Pierce as an escort. Sonny and Alexis are attended to by the ambulance crew. Meanwhile Luke kicks in the door to the room that holds Lucky, Lulu, and Lesley. But no Nikolas. Stefan:"Where is Nikolas?" Sarah puts a hand on Stefan's arm."Stefan. Miranda told Luke that Nikolas went to Greece earlier today with Jerry. I'm sorry." ........................... Jerry watches Nikolas napping. They are in Paris on a private plane bound for Greece. He prays that Helena believes Nikolas' story of his injuries. His thoughts are interrupted by his phone ringing. "Jerry here....(he lowers his voice to a whisper so Nikolas won't awaken to hear the conversation)...It's about time. Is the mission accomplished? WHAT?! They're alive? Where? That Close?... Well they won't make it in time... so it won't matter. Make sure those bozos that botched the job are punished for their incompetence... No. I'll take care of the them personally when I'm made Regent. The planes about to take off. Be prepared to give me a full report when I call you later from Greece." Jerry closes the phone and looks nervously over at Nikolas. He can tell from Nikolas' even breathing that he is still asleep. He breathes easily again. Chapter 44: Reunions   Stefan looks at Sarah with a mixture of fear, anger and overwhelming grief. Stefan (in a low growl):"What did you say?" Sarah looks into his eyes. "Nikolas is on his way to Greece. I'm sorry." Stefan stalks angrily out of the house and into the backyard Sarah follows him. Back in the house Lucky runs to his father "DAD!" Luke:"Hey Cowboy!" Luke embraces Lucky tightly and kisses the top of his head. He looks down when he feels a tug at his pant leg. He see's Lu's smiling face,"Daddy!" Luke picks her up and squeezes her. "Princess Lesley Lu! How's my baby girl?" Laura runs into the room and grabs Lucky and hugs him tightly. Then she meets her mother's gaze. With tears streaming down their faces Laura and her mother embrace."Mama! I can't believe it's really you!" Lesley:"Laura. I kept praying I would see you again my child." Lesley pulls Laura away and takes a look at her."Oh Laura, you're still so beautiful." Laura: "Oh mama! I can't believe I'm here with you. I though I'd never see you again... that you were dead. When Stefan told me you were alive, I couldn't believe it. And now you're standing in front of me. It's a miracle!" Laura and Lesley hug again as Luke holds his children. Lesley Lu squirms away from Luke. She toddles to her mother."Mama ... Mama!" Laura falls to her knees and wraps her arms around LuLu:"Oh baby. My sweet baby." Lu wraps her little arms tightly around her mother's neck and nuzzles into her shoulder. Luke approaches Lesley. Grinning from ear to ear he opens his arms to her and she embraces him. Lesley: "Oh Luke, I'm so happy to see you." Luke:"How are you, darlin?" Lesley: "I'm fine. The children are well." Laura turns to Lesley"Nikolas? Did they let you see him? How was he?" Lesley smiles:"Yes, he's fine. He is a brave young man, brave like his mother. All of my grandchildren are." ................ Stefan is standing silently looking across the snow covered ground of the compound. He feels Sarah's presence behind him, but doesn't immediately acknowledge her. Finally he speaks without turning around. Stefan:"How dare you not inform me of his leaving. I had the right to know. Do you realize how much danger he is in now? We should have attacked Greece simultaneously with this attack." Sarah sighs. "Stefan, I only found out a couple of hours before we attacked. There was not time to launch another attack. He will be fine, and we will retrieve him. I know you're upset, rightfully so, but you are the key part to the rescue mission in Greece." Stefan:"I STILL SHOULD HAVE BEEN INFORMED!" Stefan shakes with anger and Sarah stares at him for a moment then speaks. "Stefan, it was important that you were focused. If I had informed you of Nikolas' situation, the chances were that you would have lost focus and you or someone else could have been killed." Stefan (pacing angrily at this point):"Well I should have expected this. As in every other situation that the Spencers and the Cassadines are involved in, the Spencers once again take top priority." Stefan stops pacing to threaten Sarah. "This is my oath to you. If anything happens to him, I will hold you personally responsible! I trust you know what that means." Sarah (a little scared): "Stefan, surely you don't mean that!" Stefan: "I do not make threats, I make promises. If he is harmed because of this I will make sure that you and everyone you care about FEELS THE CASSADINE RAGE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME!" His voice cracks with emotion and Sarah decides to give him time alone. She heads back inside and Stefan goes back to his silent stare. ............. Luke and Lucky move to the outside of the room so that Laura and Lesley can talk. Lesley: "Nikolas asked me to tell you something. " Laura takes a seat on the bed. "Please, tell me." Lesley: "He wanted you to know that he realizes he hurt you with his coldness towards you. He said he took for granted he would have time to fix that. He also said to tell you he did listen to you, even when you didn't think he did. He knows you love him and he wants you to know he loves you too." Laura starts to shakes as the tears stream down her cheeks. "Oh Mama... I made so many mistakes with him. So many things I wish I could change." Lesley moves next to her daughter and wraps her arms around her."You will have your chance with him Laura. Nikolas and Lucky have both changed since being here. Would you be surprised to know they bonded?" Laura looks up at her mother with a hopeful smile. "They bonded? You mean they really accept each other?" Lesley nods and strokes Laura's hair. "They have accepted each other for their differences and for their similarities. They share your fighting spirit and your heart Laura. They have accepted each other as brothers and that can't be broken by anyone." Laura weeps as her mother rocks her"Shhh, I know you are worried, but even that witch has a weak spot. She adores Nikolas, and won't harm him." Laura voices her greatest fear. "Mother, what if we can't get him back? I can't stand losing him again." Lesley: "You won't have to Laura. You will get Nikolas back, and your family, our family will be complete." In the living room, Luke hugs Lucky again and then tousles his hair."God, I'm glad you're okay cowboy." Lucky:"Hey, I'm a Spencer. I can handle a little kidnapping no sweat. Jerry took off with Nikolas though." Luke nods:"Yeah, looks like a trip to Greece." Lucky:"So, you're going to get him right?" Luke:"Yeah. So what happened with you two?" Lucky sighs and makes a silent prayer that his father won't flip out. "Dad, everything has changed. He saved my life and he injured himself to give you guys time to get here. I don't hate him anymore, Dad. We spent a lot of time together, and instead of killing each other we worked together. And we found out something." Luke lights a cigar "What was that?" Lucky:"That we're brothers. Dad, I know you hate the Cassadines but Nikolas is part of my family. You taught me that family comes before everything else. " Luke grimaces as his words come flying back to him. "Lucky, look...." Lucky holds up his hand. "It ends dad, here and now. The generations of hate it ends here. I won't turn my back on Nikolas now. You have to get him away from that crazy woman." Luke sighs, deciding to drop the argument for now. "That's the plan cowboy. So how bad was the kid beaten?" Lucky shakes his head."it was awful, Dad. Jerry snapped and kept beating him. I thought he was going to kill Nikolas. I was supposed to be the one to get it. Nikolas protected me from Jerry and turned Jerry on to him instead. And then when he started to heal, he threw himself on a chair to reopen his wounds. He was buying time so you could get here." Luke shakes his head at the horrible tale. "Jesus, what the hell did they do to you kids?" Lucky:"I'm fine Dad. we're all okay. And like it or not. Nikolas is to thank for that. We had to rely on each other to get through this." Luke:"Yeah, I had to rely on Steffin too. Who'd a thought the Spencers and the Cassadines would work together." Lucky:'It could be worse you know. Where is Stefan?" Luke looks around:"Hmm looks like he went outside, he's upset about the kid." Lucky:"The kid's name is Nikolas Dad. Look, I need to go talk to Stefan." Luke:"What? Why?" Lucky:"I have a message for him. And I want to come to Greece with you." Luke shakes his head:"No way, I'm sending Sonny and Jason home with you and your grandmother and your sister." Lucky:"Come on Dad! I owe him, I want to be there." Luke:"Forget it cowboy. But you have my word, we'll get him back. Then you two can go off and pull the wings off flies together. But for now, I need you at home holding down the fort. Your mother and Lulu need you." Lucky:'Okay, it's not like I have a choice. Besides Nik pulls the wings off bats." Luke cocks an eyebrow at Lucky:"You really have taken a liking to him." Lucky:"Hey, he's a good poker opponent." Luke laughs: "So how much did you make off him?" ........................ Stefan hears someone walk up behind him but doesn't turn around. Lucky :"Um.. Mr. Cassadine? " Stefan wheels around and faces Lucky:"Lucky. I trust you are okay?" Lucky:"Yeah, I'm fine. Um Nikolas asked me to tell you something." Stefan takes a breathe:"Okay, go ahead and tell me." Lucky hops up on the ledge. "He will tell you this himself, but he insisted I tell you when I saw you. You know him when he insists, he won't take no for an answer." Stefan nods. "Yes, he can be very persistent." Lucky:"Anyway, Nikolas said to tell you that he's sorry about the fight you guys had before he was taken." Stefan cocks an eyebrow. "He told you about it?" Lucky shakes his head:"Naa, not really. Just told me what to tell you." Stefan:"Is there anything else?" Lucky:"Yeah, Nikolas said he was never ashamed of you. And to tell you that he loves you." Stefan feels the tears well up but fights them back. "Thank you for giving me the message, Lucky. " Lucky looks at Stefan. 'You know they really tried to turn him against you. Man, they really worked him over emotionally, but he didn't break. He couldn't turn against you. I thought you might want to know that." Stefan nods "Yes, thank you, Lucky, I am very sorry for what you and your family has had to endure." Lucky hops down from the ledge:"Thanks but it's not your fault. You helped get my family out of this and I know you and my parents will get Nikolas back too." Stefan nods. "You and Nikolas, you resolved your differences?" Lucky smiles cockily. "Well, he's still arrogant and his ego needs to be deflated, but yeah he's okay. You can't run from your family you know, and he's part of my family. And you can't choose them either. So, don't beat yourself up for your mother's mistakes." Stefan smiles at Lucky, and for a moment he sees Laura's wisdom in his eyes."Thank you Lucky. For everything." Lucky shrugs:'I didn't do anything. I'll leave you alone." Once Stefan is alone again, the tears he's been fighting start to stream down his face"I love you too, Nikolas." ............. Sarah sighs as she puts down the phone and turns to face everyone. "Miranda died on the way to the hospital." Lucky feels the wind go out of him and Laura pulls him to her."Oh Lucky." Lucky:"I'm okay mom. Man, she died because she decided to help us. " Everyone is silent for a few minutes. Sarah:"Alexis and Sonny are returning to Port Charles with the children and Lesley. Laura, perhaps you should go back as well." Laura eyes flash."Absolutely not! I still have one child missing. I will not go back until he is safe." Sarah opens her mouth to object but Luke cuts her off. "Her son is still missing, save your breath. She comes with us. Jason will go back and help Sonny protect the kids. Lucky will be their too. We need to get to Greece and get Nikolas back." Everyone turns to Luke in shock. Luke:"What?" Lucky:"You actually said his name. Not demon spawn or that kid, you called him Nikolas." Luke:"That's his name right? (turning to Sarah) when do we leave?" Sarah:"In two hours. The planes will be ready then." Luke:"Good, the sooner the better. Helena doesn't need a lot of time to start working on Nikolas, he might give away some knowledge without meaning to." Laura turns to Luke:"She wouldn't hurt him?" Luke: "No, but if she get's suspicious she could run with him. I'd rather not start a world search of where is Helena Cassadine. Speaking of Cassadines, where is Steffin?" Lucky:"He's outside on the porch. He's kinda messed up you know. Worried and such." Luke nods. "We need him back in top form if this is going to work." Laura:"I'll go speak with him." Luke opens his mouth to object but changes his mind. He watches Laura leave and sighs. "Hell, what's next? Thanksgiving at the house of horrors?" Laura approaches Stefan gently and puts her hand on his shoulder. "Thinking about Nikolas?" Stefan nods but doesn't answer. Laura:"I'm worried too, but Stefan, we will get him back." Stefan:"This isn't the first time I lost him." Laura looks at him curiously:"What do you mean?" Stefan sighs. "In my dreams, or I should say my nightmares, I continually lose him. He cries out to me, begging me to save him, but when I reach him it's too late. It's so real Laura, almost like a premonition. I fear sleep for I can't handle looking into his eyes as he fades from me. My hope was that my living nightmare would end here. Now I must continue to hold onto hope that I won't be to late." Laura takes his hand in hers:"Oh Stefan, my God, you must have be out of your mind with fear. I am too, but we will get him back." Stefan turns to her."I keep thinking about the time he ran away from me, the time I found him at the bottom of your staircase. He was so still. I thought it was Stavros all over again. Father and son dying in the same way. So many times I vowed that I would never again give him reason to turn from me. I promised to myself, to him, and to God that if he made it through the accident I would never hurt him again. I broke that promise Laura! We had such a horrible fight before he was taken. So many things were said, and so many things were left unsaid. What if I loose the chance to rectify this with him? What if it's.." His words cut off as he's unable to finish his train of thought. Laura wipes the tears from his face and embraces him. "Oh Stefan, we'll get him back. We have to." Stefan pulls away and takes her hands in his. "I promised you on the island that no harm would ever come to him. I promised Nikolas many of times that he was safe in my care, but alas I failed him, you, everyone. Now our Nikolas is in that monster's hands all because I wasn't strong enough. " Laura is crying now. "Stefan, no, you can't believe that." Stefan:"I went after you Laura. I defied her and brought him to you. It wasn't selfless, I had to see my Lasha, but my Lasha never existed. My obsession, my arrogance cost me him. I'm scared Laura. I can't lose him. I told you once that Nikolas would always have the best of me because I loved his mother. The truth is, Nikolas is the best of me. I tried to maintain his spirit and his loving nature against all the odds. I allowed my lost innocence to live through him. He is my heart, and I know how I felt when I thought my heart was dead. I can not bear that again, he must be returned and I have to have the opportunity to rectify my mistakes with him. I have to have the chance to show him that I am still the man he believes in. I would be lost without him...." He pulls her to him and allows himself to release the fear. She holds onto him tightly. "Oh Stefan, I can't lose him either. You did an amazing job raising him. He is the person he is because of you- strong, caring, and self reliant. Nikolas will keep fighting until we get there. You can't forget that!" Stefan nods and pulls himself away wiping the tears from his face. "Your sons have bonded Laura. The wish you had in the hospital room came true, it will end with them." Laura: (smiling through her tears) "I think it has ended with you and Luke." Stefan looks at her with doubt, but she continues "I'm not naive enough to think you and Luke will become friends, but you two put aside your differences to get our children back. That counts for a lot Stefan. We can live in peace." Stefan:"You will never lose your optimistic nature will you?" Laura: "Never, just as you and Luke will never lose your stubborn pride. We will get Nikolas back safe and sound and everything will go back to normal." Stefan laughs:"Normal?" Laura joins him in the laughter. "Okay, better than normal. The hate is subsiding and we're healing. All of us. My mother told me that you saved her. I can never repay you for that." Stefan brushes her hair back from her face. "I saved her for myself as well Laura. She was my way of having you in a sense. I am glad to have been able to reunite you with her. I look forward to Nikolas getting to know her as well." Laura nods:"Why didn't you return her earlier?" Stefan:"It wasn't safe Laura. Helena thought she was dead. It was the only way to protect her." Laura nods again and takes his hand and gives it a squeeze."Ready to go back inside?" Stefan nods and follows her inside. They join everyone in the living room. Stefan:"Where did the guards go?" Luke:"They were moved to the back room. Didn't want the kids taking in the scenery." Stefan turns and looks at Lesley and smiles. She returns the smile and he walks over to her. He embraces her and then kisses both of her cheeks. "How are you?" Lesley takes his hands. "I'm fine Stefan. You haven't been sleeping." Stefan smiles at her. "You always take me to task do you not?" Lesley(teasingly):"Someone has to make sure you are taking care of yourself. My grandson needs you in top form." She watches his eyes fill with pain at the mention of Nikolas."He is a strong boy Stefan. So proud and brave, just like his Uncle." Stefan smiles. "You had a chance to speak with him?" Lesley nods:"Yes, and he loves you as much as you love him. He trusts you Stefan, and he has not given up hope that you will be reunited. You must not give up hope either." Stefan nods and kisses her hand gently."You are so very wise. Thank you." He turns to Sarah. "When do we leave for Greece?" Sarah:"Now. Let's go get Nikolas." NEXT